Scott Parker Appointed West Ham Head Coach
- Scott Parker signed a two-and-a-half-year contract as West Ham head coach.
- The appointment follows the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo after 13 games.
- Parker is a former West Ham captain who played for the club from 2007 to 2011.
- West Ham currently sits eighth in the Championship table.
- Parker's first match in charge is an away game against Cardiff City.
West Ham has confirmed the appointment of Scott Parker as the club's new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract, effective from Wednesday, 4 November 2026. The agreement secures Parker for a period of two and a half years.
This appointment follows the club's relegation from the Premier League last season and its ongoing efforts to secure promotion from the Championship.
Dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo
The appointment of Scott Parker follows the dismissal of the previous manager, Nuno Espirito Santo. Nuno Espirito Santo, aged 52, was sacked on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, after overseeing 13 games in charge.
He had remained with the club to attempt to achieve promotion after presiding over their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the previous season.
Parker's history as a former West Ham captain
Scott Parker is a former West Ham captain who previously represented the club as a player between 2007 and 2011. The 46-year-old former England midfielder spent four seasons at the centre of the team.
During his playing career at the club, Parker was voted Hammer of the Year for three consecutive years.
Current Championship standing
West Ham occupies eighth place in the Championship table after 13 matches. The club currently sits six points behind the league leaders, Middlesbrough.
In their most recent fixture, the team suffered a 3-1 home defeat against West Brom last Saturday.
Managerial experience and promotion record
Parker, 46, has previously held managerial positions at Fulham, Bournemouth, Burnley, and Club Brugge. During his career, he has achieved three promotions to the Premier League with Fulham, Bournemouth, and Burnley.
Parker said he feels "privileged and honoured" to lead West Ham back to the top flight. He noted his experience includes being promoted three times and relegated three times during his time as a manager.
His tenure at Fulham and Burnley resulted in immediate relegation from the Premier League. Bournemouth dismissed Parker early in their first season back in the top flight.
He most recently departed Burnley in April 2026 after the club's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed.
Recent managerial turnover at West Ham
Parker is the fourth permanent manager to take charge of West Ham since David Moyes left in May 2024.
The club previously sacked Julen Lopetegui after six months in the position. Graham Potter also left the club after serving as manager for eight months.
Immediate debut against Cardiff City
Parker will make his debut as head coach during an away match against Cardiff City on Wednesday night.
Regarding his return, Parker said: "It is a very proud moment for me to step into this role and return to a Club that means so much to me and my family".
He added that the role is an opportunity he is very excited about. He will take charge of the team for the trip to Cardiff this Wednesday.
Board recruitment process
Parker held initial discussions regarding the head coach role with interim chief executive Karim Virani and joint-chair Daniel Kretinsky.
Relegation from the Premier League
West Ham was relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season.
The club is now aiming for promotion back to the top flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Scott Parker named West Ham coach as former Hammer bids to secure promotion to Premier League | The Independent (independent.co.uk)
- West Ham turn to former captain Scott Parker to boost promotion bid (the42.ie)
- West Ham turn to Scott Parker to boost bid for a swift Premier League return (belfasttelegraph.co.uk)
- West Ham hires Scott Parker as coach after firing Nuno Espirito Santo (sports.yahoo.com)
- West Ham appoint Scott Parker as manager after sacking Nuno (newswav.com)
- Scott Parker (linkedin.com)
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google